Canary Islands Retail Workers Set to Strike on Christmas Eve Over Working Conditions

On December 24, retail workers across the Canary Islands will stage a strike aimed at drawing attention to the ongoing challenges they face in their working environments. This action, organized by the union Comisiones Obreras (CCOO), is intended to highlight the precarious conditions that many employees in the retail sector endure, particularly during the busy holiday season.

Details of the Planned Strike and Locations

The strike will unfold throughout the day on Christmas Eve, with demonstrations planned across four major islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. The union has strategically chosen this date to maximize visibility and impact, as it coincides with one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

In Tenerife, the gathering will take place at Plaza del Príncipe, right outside the Dialprix store, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In Gran Canaria, participants will convene outside the HiperDino located on Calle General Bravo in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Similar protests are set to occur in Lanzarote, specifically outside the Hiperdino in Arrecife, and in Fuerteventura at the Las Rotondas Shopping Centre. These locations were selected to ensure that the voices of retail workers are heard loud and clear in high-traffic areas.

Union’s Demands and Rationale for the Strike

The union has articulated the critical nature of this strike, stating, “On December 24, we will take to the streets, painting them red as we fight against the precariousness in our sector.” The CCOO has raised serious concerns regarding part-time contracts, inadequate holiday pay, and the pressing need for a better work-life balance, particularly emphasizing the importance of quality weekends for employees.

CCOO representatives have expressed their frustration over the lack of engagement from employers, who they claim are fully aware of the dire conditions affecting their workforce. Alarmingly, nearly 80% of retail employees are reported to be earning below the minimum wage due to the prevalence of part-time contracts. The union has indicated that any potential wage increases will likely be influenced by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Stalled Negotiations and Future Prospects

Recent negotiations concerning the Collective Agreement for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Las Palmas have reportedly reached an impasse, with employers failing to adequately address the demands put forth by the CCOO. The union believes that had these demands been taken seriously, they could have potentially led to a general strike, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

In light of these developments, CCOO representatives remarked, “This irresponsibility and the lack of serious proposals for workers in our sector force us to celebrate Christmas in the streets. This year, Father Christmas must bring labour rights for workers.” Additionally, a meeting regarding the Food Agreement in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is scheduled for this Thursday, although the union does not anticipate any significant changes arising from this discussion.

To galvanize support for the strike, CCOO is actively conducting informative assemblies aimed at encouraging employees to participate. These sessions are particularly focused on logistical platforms within companies governed by the agreement, ensuring that workers are well-informed about the issues at stake. An assembly is planned for December 22, bringing together all RLPT representatives from the sectors to ensure a robust turnout for the strike.

Key points

• A strike by retail workers in the Canary Islands is scheduled for December 24.
• The action is organized by Comisiones Obreras to address poor working conditions.
• Demonstrations will occur in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
• Concerns include part-time contracts, holiday pay, and work-life balance.
• Nearly 80% of retail employees earn below the minimum wage.
• Negotiations for the Collective Agreement have stalled, prompting the strike.
• Informative assemblies are being held to encourage participation in the strike.